nsyilxcən WORD of the month:

siwɬkʷ

(pronunciation: see-oolkw)

Water

Water is deeply central to syilx culture in the Okanagan, sustaining all life.

A Message from Our Executive Director

As we move through the summer months, I am continually reminded that meaningful change happens when communities come together with a shared commitment to supporting one another. Every day at The Bridge Youth & Family Services, we have the privilege of witnessing the resilience of the youth, families, and individuals we serve, and the incredible generosity of those who walk alongside them.

This month, I am particularly excited to share the launch of our Pillars of The Bridge program, a relaunch of our monthly giving program designed to recognize and celebrate individuals, businesses, organizations, and community champions who make our work possible through their ongoing support.

The Pillars of The Bridge represent the foundation upon which our services stand. Just as strong pillars support a structure, our donors, volunteers, advocates, and partners help sustain programs that provide hope, healing, and opportunity to hundreds of people in our community each year. Through this initiative, we hope to deepen connections with those who believe in our mission and create new opportunities for people to be part of lasting positive change.

As community needs continue to evolve, so too does our commitment to innovation and service excellence. Whether it is supporting youth through mental health challenges, helping families build stronger connections, providing substance use and recovery services, or creating pathways to wellness and belonging, The Bridge remains focused on meeting people where they are and walking alongside them on their journey.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our staff, volunteers, funders, partners, and supporters whose dedication makes this work possible. Your belief in our mission strengthens our ability to serve and inspires us to continue growing our impact throughout the Central Okanagan and beyond.

Thank you for being part of The Bridge community. Together, we are building stronger futures and creating lasting change, one relationship at a time.

With gratitude,

Luke Brimmage



Executive Director

The Bridge Youth & Family Services

Upcoming Important Dates & Events

Who is at the table - 3rd annual International Overdose Awareness Event

You are invited to ORL's 3rd annual overdose awareness day event - this year it is a lunch and remember.

At our lunch table there will be one empty purple chair- a reminder of those who are missing from dinner tables in our community. Guests will be invited to add a place card with the name of their loved one affected by this crisis to the table. 

We will host conversations exploring grief and loss, discussing substance use, harm reduction, mental health needs, and the supports and services available in our area.

Naloxone training will be available.

This is a drop in event, bring your bag lunch!

Date:

Friday, August 28, 2026

Time:

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Time Zone:

Pacific Time - US & Canada (change)

Location:

Okanagan Lake Room

Library branch:

West Kelowna Library

International Overdose Awareness Day

For 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought people together to remember those we’ve lost and to take action to save lives. 

The truth is, we shouldn’t still need this day. But we do. 

Overdose continues to affect every community. Yet it can be prevented. We know how to reduce risk and keep people safe. By speaking openly, learning from one another, and treating each other with care and respect, we build a world where fewer lives are lost. 

Because while this day is still needed, it doesn’t have to be forever. 

Kelowna Event Details International Overdose Awareness Day 2026

Date: Monday, August 31, 2026

Location: Kerry Park, Downtown Kelowna, BC

Community Gathering: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Moms Stop the Harm Candlelight Vigil: Immediately following the community gathering

This Year's Event Will Include

• Opening welcome and cultural protocols 
• Guest speakers and community leaders 
• Interactive Indigenous Medicine Tent 
• Traditional medicine teachings 
• Tobacco Tie Teachings 
• Devil's Club Memorial Bracelet Making 
• Community Resource Village 
• Harm reduction education 
• Naloxone education and training 
• Mental health and wellness supports 
• Indigenous cultural performances 
• Memorial and remembrance activities 
• Food and refreshments 
• Moms Stop the Harm Candlelight Vigil 

Central Okanagan Dads Group

What's Happening in our Organization

Building Brighter Futures Together, Every Month

We are excited to re-launch Pillars of The Bridge, our monthly giving program that brings together people who believe in creating lasting, positive change in our community.

Every day, The Bridge Youth & Family Services walks alongside children, youth, adults, and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. From mental health and family supports to substance use treatment, recovery services, and opportunities for connection and belonging, our programs are here when people need them.

Monthly donors play an important role in making that possible.

By becoming a Pillar of The Bridge, you provide reliable, ongoing support that helps us respond to emerging needs, strengthen programs, and plan confidently for the future. It’s not the size of the gift that matters, it’s the consistency. A dependable gift, month after month, creates a foundation of support that allows us to keep showing up for our community.

Pillars of The Bridge is about more than monthly donations. It is a community of people who share our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to find hope, build connections, and move toward a brighter future.

If you are already a monthly donor, thank you. You have been a Pillar of The Bridge all along. Your ongoing commitment provides the stability that helps sustain our work throughout the year, and we are pleased to formally recognize and celebrate the important role you play.

And if you have been looking for an accessible, meaningful way to make a lasting difference, we invite you to join us.

It’s not the size of the gift. It’s the consistency.

Together, we’re building brighter futures. Every month.

Finding Connection Through Movement- Golden Hour Yoga Gives Back

On a warm June 23rd evening, community members gathered at Kinsmen Park for a peaceful Golden Hour Yoga session hosted by Wide Open Spaces. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful lake view, the event brought people together to slow down, connect, and celebrate the importance of wellness and mental health.

This event was led by Emma and Abby Bulawka, dedicated volunteers with our Beyond the Blues program, who recently launched their new business, Wide Open Spaces. Wanting to give back, they generously chose to host this special event in support of Beyond the Blues.



Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, $200.00 was raised thorough donations to help support the Beyond the Blues program and families we serve.You can follow them on Instagram at @_wideopenspaces_

The Foundation Behind Our Frontline Services

From welcoming visitors and maintaining our facilities to managing payroll, finances, technology, and community engagement, our Support Services Team keeps The Bridge running every day.

Learn how this dedicated team helps create the strong foundation that allows our frontline staff to focus on supporting youth, families, and individuals across our community.

Behind the Scenes with Ashlyn Walsh

From opening new programs to improving the systems that support our staff, Ashlyn Walsh's work behind the scenes helps make life-changing services possible. Discover how her passion for continuous improvement is helping The Bridge strengthen programs, support staff, and better serve our community.

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